The SPCA has confirmed that a Mandarin duck spotted in Stony Brook, New York, was shot and killed by a hunter. The duck, which was seen by many as a lifer due to its intricate plumage, had been advocated for by animal rescuers who believe it likely escaped captivity or was released and should have been rescued from the wild. Despite efforts to secure the duck's location and transfer it to a sanctuary, animal rescuer John DiLeonardo, executive director of Humane Long Island, described the incident as an avoidable tragedy. The state Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed that there is no evidence indicating illegal hunting in this case.